I’ve noticed a growing practice within certain groups of the church, one in which the Holy Spirit is referred to as simply “Holy Spirit”, i.e., without use of the definite article “the”. For example, “Holy Spirit is our close friend.”
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In 1966, Gordon Fee was the first scholar from a Pentecostal background to earn a doctorate in biblical studies. He championed the way of scholarship within the Pentecostal, charismatic, and new-charismatic churches.
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Today marks the church’s celebration-remembrance of Pentecost. This isn’t a day privy to only certain portions of the church. It is one to be celebrated by all Christians.
There are a few different angles one could take in remembering the importance of Pentecost. The angle of the pouring out of God’s Spirit on all flesh – male/female, young/old, Jew/Gentile. There is the aspect of the empowering of God’s people for mission that the rule and grace of Christ be made known to all peoples. Then there’s the common notion that the church began on that great day of Pentecost.
But did the church begin on that remarkable day long ago?
Continue readingThis semester I have been recording videos for the Missional Life class I teach at Visible Music College. In particular, I’ve been doing some videos around the topic of Mission and the Spirit.
When it comes to mission in the west, we usually get caught up in talking about all the ways to be culturally relevant. And I don’t mind that. I look at that angle as well. But empowered mission begins with the work of the Spirit in the people of God.
Below is my latest video on why I believe all of God’s gifts are needed today for us to accomplish God’s mission, including such gifts as prophecy, healings, miracles and tongues.
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I am a charismatic, or a continuationist, as that is the more proper theological term of today. I’ve spent plenty of time writing about the Spirit’s role and gifts here at the blog.
I want to also be willing to critique some of the stuff that exists out there in the name of continuationist-charismatic theology. And there is a good bit out there that needs to be sharpened, to be redirected. And there is also stuff out there that is just outright heinous. Continue reading
The Prodigal Thought 